The major FA we have are Mario, Foster, Myers, and Briesel. Foster is a RFA, so he will definitely be back. The other 3 are question marks. Here is what I think will happen:

Mario Williams. I would love to get Mario back, but unfortunately money comes in the way. Mario will be the highest paid D player in NFL history and the Texans simply cannot match it. I think he is signs with Tampa Bay. He will be a good Defensive Player, but will not live up to the massive contract he will get partially due to injuries and partially becuase of the contract.

Mike Briesel: I think he leaves as well. Being one of the members of a good O line means he will get a good offer elsewhere. Briesel is a decent sized OG and can play in power or ZBS schemes.

Chris Myers: I think he stays. Myers is a small C and would struggle in many other offensive sets outside of Htown. Limited market would include Washington and maybe Seattle. Center tends to be the lynchpin of the OL, so I think the Texans will do what they can to keep him around.

1. Whitney Mercilus, OLB, Illinois, 6’4. 265, 4.65
I call this, the New York Giants strategy. The Giants have made their name on putting pressure on the QB. They bring multiple passrushers from every angle and have a ton of them. Every year when you don't think they need a pass rusher they grab a good one. When they had Strahan and Osi they grabbed Justin Tuck. When they had Tuck and Osi they picked up JPP. I like that strategy as it constantly keeps a fresh supply of passrushers at the disposal. And as we know, the way you beat elite QBs, is by harassing them and making them uncomfortable. Mercellius is a pass rush specialist who would be a great rotational OLB with Barwin and Reed. He already has some good pass rush moves and Wade could teach him some more. Just like Tuck and JPP, give him a little time, and he will develop into a force.

2. Nick Jean-Baptiste, NT, Baylor, 6’1, 335, 5.30
He is a 335lb monster who was ridiculously disruptive in the East-West game. He routinely got into the backfield and harassed the QB. He is athletic and got 8.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and even jumped up and knocked down 4 passes. He will be part of the NT rotation to start, but will in time become the starter. Give him a little time and he will be the perfect disruptive force next to Watt. Right now he is a mid 3rd/4th round prospect, but when it is all said and done, he will climb into the late second.

3. T.Y. Hilton, WR/KR, Florida International, 5’10, 183, 4.41
And there he is, meet our new #2 receiver. I know some may be disappointed, but hear me out. He is the small school version of Kendall Wright. Great speed, good hands, and solid route running. He is a legitimate down-field threat and will burn defenses that don’t account for him. In addition, he is a quality KR, so Manning could be used exclusively as a Safety.

4. Will Blackwell, G/C, LSU, 6’4, 314, 5.03
With Briesel leaving we need some competition at the OG spot. I recommend swing interior OL Blackwell. His specialty is opening up holes in the running game and in pass protection. He was the starting RG this last season and could play C as well. A first team All SEC OG in a division filled with good DLs is the kind of player I want on my team.

5. Marquis Maze, WR/PR/KR, Alabama, 5’10, 190, 4.44
A do it all kind of player. Fast, good hands, crisp route running. He is the player that makes Htown Scary. Here’s why: Place AJ on one side and Hilton on the other. Daniels comes up through the middle of the field, and Foster slides out from the backfield. Now, if you place Maze next to AJ or Hilton, who does the D cover? There will be a good receiver with speed open on every play! Maze is also a ST demon and can be a super returner as well!

6. Chandler Harnish, QB, Northern Illinois, 6’2, 220, 4.69
Leinart is likely gone. Garcia and Delhomme aren’t coming back, so Kubes needs a nice 3rd string QB to groom. Harnish is a 4 year starter who threw 26 tds to 5 ints. In his career he is 2:1 in Tds to Ints and has the speed to run as well. A good developmental QB for Kubes.

7. Brandon Bolden, RB, Ole Miss, 5’11, 220, 4.50
Ward is gone. He is too good to languish behind Foster and Tate and that is exactly what will happen if he sticks around. Another quality RB is needed and I found one in Bolden. A powerful runner, who can catch balls out of the backfield, and can block. Has played gunner on ST and has deceptive speed around the edge. Would be an excellent compliment to Foster and Tate.

The major FA we have are Mario, Foster, Myers, and Briesel. Foster is a RFA, so he will definitely be back. The other 3 are question marks. Here is what I think will happen:

Mario Williams. I would love to get Mario back, but unfortunately money comes in the way. Mario will be the highest paid D player in NFL history and the Texans simply cannot match it. I think he is signs with Tampa Bay. He will be a good Defensive Player, but will not live up to the massive contract he will get partially due to injuries and partially becuase of the contract.

Mike Briesel: I think he leaves as well. Being one of the members of a good O line means he will get a good offer elsewhere. Briesel is a decent sized OG and can play in power or ZBS schemes.

Chris Myers: I think he stays. Myers is a small C and would struggle in many other offensive sets outside of Htown. Limited market would include Washington and maybe Seattle. Center tends to be the lynchpin of the OL, so I think the Texans will do what they can to keep him around.

1. Whitney Mercilus, OLB, Illinois, 6’4. 265, 4.65
I call this, the New York Giants strategy. The Giants have made their name on putting pressure on the QB. They bring multiple passrushers from every angle and have a ton of them. Every year when you don't think they need a pass rusher they grab a good one. When they had Strahan and Osi they grabbed Justin Tuck. When they had Tuck and Osi they picked up JPP. I like that strategy as it constantly keeps a fresh supply of passrushers at the disposal. And as we know, the way you beat elite QBs, is by harassing them and making them uncomfortable. Mercellius is a pass rush specialist who would be a great rotational OLB with Barwin and Reed. He already has some good pass rush moves and Wade could teach him some more. Just like Tuck and JPP, give him a little time, and he will develop into a force.

2. Nick Jean-Baptiste, NT, Baylor, 6’1, 335, 5.30
He is a 335lb monster who was ridiculously disruptive in the East-West game. He routinely got into the backfield and harassed the QB. He is athletic and got 8.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and even jumped up and knocked down 4 passes. He will be part of the NT rotation to start, but will in time become the starter. Give him a little time and he will be the perfect disruptive force next to Watt. Right now he is a mid 3rd/4th round prospect, but when it is all said and done, he will climb into the late second.

3. T.Y. Hilton, WR/KR, Florida International, 5’10, 183, 4.41
And there he is, meet our new #2 receiver. I know some may be disappointed, but hear me out. He is the small school version of Kendall Wright. Great speed, good hands, and solid route running. He is a legitimate down-field threat and will burn defenses that don’t account for him. In addition, he is a quality KR, so Manning could be used exclusively as a Safety.

4. Will Blackwell, G/C, LSU, 6’4, 314, 5.03
With Briesel leaving we need some competition at the OG spot. I recommend swing interior OL Blackwell. His specialty is opening up holes in the running game and in pass protection. He was the starting RG this last season and could play C as well. A first team All SEC OG in a division filled with good DLs is the kind of player I want on my team.

5. Marquis Maze, WR/PR/KR, Alabama, 5’10, 190, 4.44
A do it all kind of player. Fast, good hands, crisp route running. He is the player that makes Htown Scary. Here’s why: Place AJ on one side and Hilton on the other. Daniels comes up through the middle of the field, and Foster slides out from the backfield. Now, if you place Maze next to AJ or Hilton, who does the D cover? There will be a good receiver with speed open on every play! Maze is also a ST demon and can be a super returner as well!

6. Chandler Harnish, QB, Northern Illinois, 6’2, 220, 4.69
Leinart is likely gone. Garcia and Delhomme aren’t coming back, so Kubes needs a nice 3rd string QB to groom. Harnish is a 4 year starter who threw 26 tds to 5 ints. In his career he is 2:1 in Tds to Ints and has the speed to run as well. A good developmental QB for Kubes.

7. Brandon Bolden, RB, Ole Miss, 5’11, 220, 4.50
Ward is gone. He is too good to languish behind Foster and Tate and that is exactly what will happen if he sticks around. Another quality RB is needed and I found one in Bolden. A powerful runner, who can catch balls out of the backfield, and can block. Has played gunner on ST and has deceptive speed around the edge. Would be an excellent compliment to Foster and Tate.

Appreciate the immense amount of work and time invested. Just to debate a bit:

If Briesel leaves we have no back up plan. Caldwell got miniscually better but is definitely not a starter. WHo else? Studdard? Nope. I would still go WR in first as that is prime weakness if not addressed in free agency. Kevin Zeitler should be #58 in second and would do better than Caldwell or Blackwell. OLB "depth" would need to be addressed but do not have to replace Mario just add quality depth behind
Barwin & Reed. There are a couple should be in third like Arkansas Jake Bequette

25 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss, eight sacks and four forced fumbles and this was despite missing three hames with a hammy injury.

I like your Nose but you could get Josh Chapman in 3rd probably. I also like Jordan WHite a bigger and almost as fast WR from smaller school but better imo.

Ultimately I disagree primarily on Briesel leaving. Hope I'm right and you are wrong. lol

Enjoyed the read.

__________________
I want to be able to recognize the difference between a "want" and a "need" and then I want to be satisfied with getting a need

The major FA we have are Mario, Foster, Myers, and Briesel. Foster is a RFA, so he will definitely be back. The other 3 are question marks. Here is what I think will happen:

Mario Williams. I would love to get Mario back, but unfortunately money comes in the way. Mario will be the highest paid D player in NFL history and the Texans simply cannot match it. I think he is signs with Tampa Bay. He will be a good Defensive Player, but will not live up to the massive contract he will get partially due to injuries and partially becuase of the contract.

Mike Briesel: I think he leaves as well. Being one of the members of a good O line means he will get a good offer elsewhere. Briesel is a decent sized OG and can play in power or ZBS schemes.

Chris Myers: I think he stays. Myers is a small C and would struggle in many other offensive sets outside of Htown. Limited market would include Washington and maybe Seattle. Center tends to be the lynchpin of the OL, so I think the Texans will do what they can to keep him around.

1. Whitney Mercilus, OLB, Illinois, 6’4. 265, 4.65
I call this, the New York Giants strategy. The Giants have made their name on putting pressure on the QB. They bring multiple passrushers from every angle and have a ton of them. Every year when you don't think they need a pass rusher they grab a good one. When they had Strahan and Osi they grabbed Justin Tuck. When they had Tuck and Osi they picked up JPP. I like that strategy as it constantly keeps a fresh supply of passrushers at the disposal. And as we know, the way you beat elite QBs, is by harassing them and making them uncomfortable. Mercellius is a pass rush specialist who would be a great rotational OLB with Barwin and Reed. He already has some good pass rush moves and Wade could teach him some more. Just like Tuck and JPP, give him a little time, and he will develop into a force.

2. Nick Jean-Baptiste, NT, Baylor, 6’1, 335, 5.30
He is a 335lb monster who was ridiculously disruptive in the East-West game. He routinely got into the backfield and harassed the QB. He is athletic and got 8.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and even jumped up and knocked down 4 passes. He will be part of the NT rotation to start, but will in time become the starter. Give him a little time and he will be the perfect disruptive force next to Watt. Right now he is a mid 3rd/4th round prospect, but when it is all said and done, he will climb into the late second.

3. T.Y. Hilton, WR/KR, Florida International, 5’10, 183, 4.41
And there he is, meet our new #2 receiver. I know some may be disappointed, but hear me out. He is the small school version of Kendall Wright. Great speed, good hands, and solid route running. He is a legitimate down-field threat and will burn defenses that don’t account for him. In addition, he is a quality KR, so Manning could be used exclusively as a Safety.

4. Will Blackwell, G/C, LSU, 6’4, 314, 5.03
With Briesel leaving we need some competition at the OG spot. I recommend swing interior OL Blackwell. His specialty is opening up holes in the running game and in pass protection. He was the starting RG this last season and could play C as well. A first team All SEC OG in a division filled with good DLs is the kind of player I want on my team.

5. Marquis Maze, WR/PR/KR, Alabama, 5’10, 190, 4.44
A do it all kind of player. Fast, good hands, crisp route running. He is the player that makes Htown Scary. Here’s why: Place AJ on one side and Hilton on the other. Daniels comes up through the middle of the field, and Foster slides out from the backfield. Now, if you place Maze next to AJ or Hilton, who does the D cover? There will be a good receiver with speed open on every play! Maze is also a ST demon and can be a super returner as well!

6. Chandler Harnish, QB, Northern Illinois, 6’2, 220, 4.69
Leinart is likely gone. Garcia and Delhomme aren’t coming back, so Kubes needs a nice 3rd string QB to groom. Harnish is a 4 year starter who threw 26 tds to 5 ints. In his career he is 2:1 in Tds to Ints and has the speed to run as well. A good developmental QB for Kubes.

7. Brandon Bolden, RB, Ole Miss, 5’11, 220, 4.50
Ward is gone. He is too good to languish behind Foster and Tate and that is exactly what will happen if he sticks around. Another quality RB is needed and I found one in Bolden. A powerful runner, who can catch balls out of the backfield, and can block. Has played gunner on ST and has deceptive speed around the edge. Would be an excellent compliment to Foster and Tate.

I dont mean to beat your mock up. But,

1. Mercilus- I've got doubts that he can play OLB, slow off the ball, he's relentless though
2. Baptiste- more like a 4th/5th rd pick to me, give me Ta'amu or Chapman.
3. Hilton- Like this pick, replaces JJ, This may be a little high for Hilton
4. Blackwell- hate this pick, Blackwell got his butt kicked at Sr. Bowl practices/game. He also got it kicked against the Tide in both games. In short he's a late rd/UDFA. IMHO
5. Maze- not a bad pick, Give me White or Stephen Hill.
6. Harnish, Give me B.J. Coleman
7.Bolden- Good pick, But give me a 3rd down RB like Edwin Baker

Appreciate the immense amount of work and time invested. Just to debate a bit:

If Briesel leaves we have no back up plan. Caldwell got miniscually better but is definitely not a starter. WHo else? Studdard? Nope. I would still go WR in first as that is prime weakness if not addressed in free agency. Kevin Zeitler should be #58 in second and would do better than Caldwell or Blackwell. OLB "depth" would need to be addressed but do not have to replace Mario just add quality depth behind
Barwin & Reed. There are a couple should be in third like Arkansas Jake Bequette

25 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss, eight sacks and four forced fumbles and this was despite missing three hames with a hammy injury.

I like your Nose but you could get Josh Chapman in 3rd probably. I also like Jordan WHite a bigger and almost as fast WR from smaller school but better imo.

Ultimately I disagree primarily on Briesel leaving. Hope I'm right and you are wrong. lol

Enjoyed the read.

Thanks for the feedback!

1. I think the Texans will sign a FA OG. Maybe Kory Lichtensteiger from DC? Yes, Zeitler would be a great choice. Agreed.

2. I just don't know where Chapman will end up. He is one of those players who could go anywhere from late 1st-early 4th. A lot of question marks may be resolved at combine there for me.

3. I just have a feeling the Texans won't be able to keep both Briesel and Myers. I think if they had a choice, they go Myers.

1. Mercilus- I've got doubts that he can play OLB, slow off the ball, he's relentless though
2. Baptiste- more like a 4th/5th rd pick to me, give me Ta'amu or Chapman.
3. Hilton- Like this pick, replaces JJ, This may be a little high for Hilton
4. Blackwell- hate this pick, Blackwell got his butt kicked at Sr. Bowl practices/game. He also got it kicked against the Tide in both games. In short he's a late rd/UDFA. IMHO
5. Maze- not a bad pick, Give me White or Stephen Hill.
6. Harnish, Give me B.J. Coleman
7.Bolden- Good pick, But give me a 3rd down RB like Edwin Baker

1. Interesting, I thought he was quick enough off the ball. I am eager to see his combine numbers. He has good speed around the corner and has a bunch of good pass rush moves already. He is not experienced with run D, but that will come with time. As you said, High Motor is a big thing for him. Technique can be taught, a high motor cannot.

2. I hear you. Right now, he may be 4th or 5th. But wait until his combine where he is faster than people think, stronger than people think, and still a big boy. He will shoot up the charts. The NFL LOVES the big NTs who can move. I think by the time the draft comes around, 2nd round won't seem outrageous for him.

3. Yeah, he is one of the picks that replaces JJ. Hard to gauge where he goes, but speed is gonna push him up.

4. Hmm. Let me relook at this one.

5. To me Maze seemed almost perfect for what the team needs. Last year we had big WRs with no speed. Now we would have smaller quick WRs. One advantage of the speedster is you can throw it down the field. If he catches it, plus. If he doesn't maybe he can draw a PI call. As I previously stated, an offense which features AJ, OD, FOster, Hilton, and Maze would give Ds absolute fits.

Could see OG in 4th rd. should be starter material though if Texans cannot resign Brisel which I think they will.

You have small WR coverd with Hilton plus return skills would like to see a big WR either way.

Like that you addressed QB but would give it higher prioity to clean house.

Like 7th rd. RB

1. I see Mercilus as a pure pass rusher. He could play 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB. A combination of speed and strength that reminds me of Simeon Rice. While Rice played DE, he was FAST. I see that kind of potential with him.

2. There are few NTs with speed and size. Poe is a space eater. Wade doesn't tend to go for them. Ta'amu was highly inconsistent and probably should be a 3-4 DE or 4-3 DT. Chapman is a quality plugger but not much of a pass rusher. NJB is a big boy who was getting into the backfield and causing a disruption. His knock is he played for Baylor, not a school with a well known D. At the moment he is a 4th/5th round grade. After he lights up the combine and possibly his proday, I think he climbs to round 2. I already have a round 2 grade on him and part of me thinks he goes BEFORE our pick in the first.

3. 72 receptions for 1,038 yards and seven touchdowns.He also returned 18 kicks for 548 yards this season with eight punts returned for 186 yards and a touchdown. Plus in a game against BCS School Louisville, Hilton put on his big boy pants and went for seven catches for 201 yards and two touchdowns. If he gets by you, you aren't catching him. 2010: 59 receptions for 848 yards and five touchdowns. 2009: 57 recptions for 632 yards with five tds.

4. I actually think the Texans will sign a FA OG to replace Briesel. Not sure who. They will then draft another young one for additional competition.

5. Yeah, thought about that, but to Maze just had too much good value. Putting him, AJ, Foster, OD, and Hilton on the field at one time will scare DCs. Each of those guys has speed, hands, and route running ability. If you let Maze or Hilton by you: its a TD, so the DCs will have to play Deep Safety. This opens the middle for OD. If you double OD, then you leave AJ open. Keep your safteys back, double up AJ, look at OD, and suddenly Foster is running out of the backfield. Too many weapons will make the team harder to play.

6. Harnish comes across as a guy Kubes would like. A 4 year starter, got better every year he played, has some speed to play the roll outs, a solid but unspectacular player. Kinda reminds me of Jake Plumber.

7. Thanks! I love the late round RBs too. This guy would be a good compliment to Foster and Tate.

I hope Texans will work out a deal with Mario, I really do. But if they can't then another pass rusher early should be weighed heavily. I haven't watched the tape on Mercilus that's why I'm asking from someone who has. Everything I've heard is positive. One dude I'd really be all over if still sitting there #26 is Fletcher Cox. More of an inside out guy but defiently first round grade no doubt about it.

Think your missing a big, tall weapon in receiving department, Texans need someone to target when field becomes compressed in red zone. There are some really intriquing ones both @ WR & TE. Other than that well done, you've earned another dopplebock

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Re: Doppelmock: Pre-Combine Verison

Quote:

Originally Posted by beerlover

I hope Texans will work out a deal with Mario, I really do. But if they can't then another pass rusher early should be weighed heavily. I haven't watched the tape on Mercilus that's why I'm asking from someone who has. Everything I've heard is positive. One dude I'd really be all over if still sitting there #26 is Fletcher Cox. More of an inside out guy but defiently first round grade no doubt about it.

Think your missing a big, tall weapon in receiving department, Texans need someone to target when field becomes compressed in red zone. There are some really intriquing ones both @ WR & TE. Other than that well done, you've earned another dopplebock

His game somewhat reminds me of Antonio Smith, except he's bigger and stronger. Cox is a good run stopper too. I'd be all about getting him in the 1st.

For a red zone target/big, tall receiving weapon....what about Orson Charles? He's 6'3'' 240 with good speed down the field, good hands and runs after the catch with power. He's not exactly a TE, I wouldn't be putting him in line to block but in the slot as a hybrid TE/WR option he could be deadly.

I hope Texans will work out a deal with Mario, I really do. But if they can't then another pass rusher early should be weighed heavily. I haven't watched the tape on Mercilus that's why I'm asking from someone who has. Everything I've heard is positive. One dude I'd really be all over if still sitting there #26 is Fletcher Cox. More of an inside out guy but defiently first round grade no doubt about it.

Think your missing a big, tall weapon in receiving department, Texans need someone to target when field becomes compressed in red zone. There are some really intriquing ones both @ WR & TE. Other than that well done, you've earned another dopplebock

I would love for Mario to stay here, but money talks. I can certainly understand why he would want to be the highest paid D player in history. I likewise understand why the Texans can't and shouldn't pay him that kind of money. Mario isn't from here and doesn't have any ties here. I don't see him sticking around.

TimeKiller already said it, but I definitely agree: Cox is Antonio Smith 2.0 without the boneheaded penalties. Cox would be a great prospect for the 3-4 DE spot opposite Watt. The only question you need to ask is do you want a high motor 3-4 OLB or a high motor DE? Both would be great in the Wade system.

I held off on tall WR for a couple of reasons:
1. Hilton was too good of a value in the 3rd and Maze in the 5th
2. After the 4th round, I don't see any WRs that are better than LeStar Jean. I think he breaks out and has a monster camp and forces Kubes to put him in the lineup. He was doing great until his injury. I think he shines now.

His game somewhat reminds me of Antonio Smith, except he's bigger and stronger. Cox is a good run stopper too. I'd be all about getting him in the 1st.

For a red zone target/big, tall receiving weapon....what about Orson Charles? He's 6'3'' 240 with good speed down the field, good hands and runs after the catch with power. He's not exactly a TE, I wouldn't be putting him in line to block but in the slot as a hybrid TE/WR option he could be deadly.

Agreed on the Smith reference.

Charles is a really good college player. REALLY good. Problem is where does he fit in the NFL. He needs to be a MUCH better blocker to be a TE and possibly put on some weight. To be a receiver, he may need to drop a little weight. He could be a good red zone target, but he is currently around a 2nd/3rd round grade. I am not sure I like him enough for that high of a selection.

I think he should drop 10 and go WR. It would help his quickness. He's a very interesting talent...

Hard to say. Part of me agrees. Then again, the league is moving towards super athletic TEs like Gates, Vernon Davis, Gronkowski, OD, etc. There are fewer good TEs than WRs, so it may be advantageous to put on weight for him.

just wondering how you rate ryan broyles seen as you took 2 similar players to him and near rounds where he could go

Broyles is an interesting player. He was probably a solid second rounder until the ACL injury ended his season in November. As is, he probably will not be able to run at his proday and may even be hampered with the injury through camp.

To me, he projects as a really good slot receiver, a #3 rather than a #2 like Hilton. One thing that hurts Broyles is he played in the Big XII, league that is not known for good defense. In contrast, Maize played very well in the SEC where teams pride themselves on Defense.

I would put Broyles as a mid 3rd/4th rounder, but wouldn't be surprised if someone took him late 2nd.

I always like reading the mocks you put out, and marvel at the effort that you put into them, but I am just not digging this mock.

1) I really want to stay away from Mercilus. One year wonder, and I just dont see the lateral movement out of him that the elite pass rushers have. If Mario is leaving, I would think going for Ingram or Upshaw (if available), or Curry or Perry. Or wait until a later round.

2) I like a NT, but I think you are reaching. I feel that he can be taken in the middle rounds.

4) Meh here. I like going OG, but this guy never stood out to me. Also, LSU. I am not kidding when I say that I dont want any part of LSU's offense.

5) Meh. Maize without Hilton would be nice, but Maize and Hilton? I think you are just getting a lesser version of the same player- a smaller receiver with return ability and speed. I like grabbing another receiver, but I would prefer a bigger guy and a small guy with return ability.

6) I dont know anything about the guy, but I like going for a backup.

7) Hard to argue with getting a backup RB in the seventh. I have a different player in mind, but that is just personal preference.

The major FA we have are Mario, Foster, Myers, and Briesel. Foster is a RFA, so he will definitely be back. The other 3 are question marks. Here is what I think will happen:

Mario Williams. I would love to get Mario back, but unfortunately money comes in the way. Mario will be the highest paid D player in NFL history and the Texans simply cannot match it. I think he is signs with Tampa Bay. He will be a good Defensive Player, but will not live up to the massive contract he will get partially due to injuries and partially becuase of the contract.

Mike Briesel: I think he leaves as well. Being one of the members of a good O line means he will get a good offer elsewhere. Briesel is a decent sized OG and can play in power or ZBS schemes.

Chris Myers: I think he stays. Myers is a small C and would struggle in many other offensive sets outside of Htown. Limited market would include Washington and maybe Seattle. Center tends to be the lynchpin of the OL, so I think the Texans will do what they can to keep him around.

1. Whitney Mercilus, OLB, Illinois, 6’4. 265, 4.65
I call this, the New York Giants strategy. The Giants have made their name on putting pressure on the QB. They bring multiple passrushers from every angle and have a ton of them. Every year when you don't think they need a pass rusher they grab a good one. When they had Strahan and Osi they grabbed Justin Tuck. When they had Tuck and Osi they picked up JPP. I like that strategy as it constantly keeps a fresh supply of passrushers at the disposal. And as we know, the way you beat elite QBs, is by harassing them and making them uncomfortable. Mercellius is a pass rush specialist who would be a great rotational OLB with Barwin and Reed. He already has some good pass rush moves and Wade could teach him some more. Just like Tuck and JPP, give him a little time, and he will develop into a force.

2. Nick Jean-Baptiste, NT, Baylor, 6’1, 335, 5.30
He is a 335lb monster who was ridiculously disruptive in the East-West game. He routinely got into the backfield and harassed the QB. He is athletic and got 8.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and even jumped up and knocked down 4 passes. He will be part of the NT rotation to start, but will in time become the starter. Give him a little time and he will be the perfect disruptive force next to Watt. Right now he is a mid 3rd/4th round prospect, but when it is all said and done, he will climb into the late second.

3. T.Y. Hilton, WR/KR, Florida International, 5’10, 183, 4.41
And there he is, meet our new #2 receiver. I know some may be disappointed, but hear me out. He is the small school version of Kendall Wright. Great speed, good hands, and solid route running. He is a legitimate down-field threat and will burn defenses that don’t account for him. In addition, he is a quality KR, so Manning could be used exclusively as a Safety.

4. Will Blackwell, G/C, LSU, 6’4, 314, 5.03
With Briesel leaving we need some competition at the OG spot. I recommend swing interior OL Blackwell. His specialty is opening up holes in the running game and in pass protection. He was the starting RG this last season and could play C as well. A first team All SEC OG in a division filled with good DLs is the kind of player I want on my team.

5. Marquis Maze, WR/PR/KR, Alabama, 5’10, 190, 4.44
A do it all kind of player. Fast, good hands, crisp route running. He is the player that makes Htown Scary. Here’s why: Place AJ on one side and Hilton on the other. Daniels comes up through the middle of the field, and Foster slides out from the backfield. Now, if you place Maze next to AJ or Hilton, who does the D cover? There will be a good receiver with speed open on every play! Maze is also a ST demon and can be a super returner as well!

6. Chandler Harnish, QB, Northern Illinois, 6’2, 220, 4.69
Leinart is likely gone. Garcia and Delhomme aren’t coming back, so Kubes needs a nice 3rd string QB to groom. Harnish is a 4 year starter who threw 26 tds to 5 ints. In his career he is 2:1 in Tds to Ints and has the speed to run as well. A good developmental QB for Kubes.

7. Brandon Bolden, RB, Ole Miss, 5’11, 220, 4.50
Ward is gone. He is too good to languish behind Foster and Tate and that is exactly what will happen if he sticks around. Another quality RB is needed and I found one in Bolden. A powerful runner, who can catch balls out of the backfield, and can block. Has played gunner on ST and has deceptive speed around the edge. Would be an excellent compliment to Foster and Tate.